Berlin, Germany. Germans were preparing for sweltering conditions on Saturday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths in Western Europe was forecast to move east and bring temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius to Germany and Poland. The system, which brought record June heat to Britain, France and Switzerland, was expected to test more records as it crossed the Rhine River.
Record temperatures and forecasts
Public broadcaster ARD reported that a German record of more than 41 C was reached on Friday near Saarbruecken on the border with France, according to preliminary official data.
“The heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40 degrees in some parts of Germany,” said Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de.
Impact in France and Germany
In France, dozens of people, including both young and old, have died during the heatwave. Temperatures above 40 C have disrupted rail travel and power generation, prompted alcohol bans, suspended schools and postponed outdoor events.
Parts of Germany, mainly in the southwest, have already experienced a much hotter June than usual.
Transport and event disruption
The Ironman European Championship long-distance triathlon taking place on Sunday in Frankfurt shortened the cycling and running courses because of the heat, organisers said.
German national rail operator Deutsche Bahn gave customers the option of cancelling long-distance travel bookings into early next week without charge due to the heatwave.
Infrastructure concerns
Facing the prospect of damage to infrastructure such as buckling roads and swelling train tracks, some major public service providers sought to reduce traffic.
Deutsche Bahn said its infrastructure was under particular strain because of sun exposure and the additional risk to signals, tracks and overhead wires from thunderstorms and wildfires.
